JEDDAH: Sergio Perez stepped into Red Bull to ensure the team’s pole position at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after a mechanical problem sidelined two-time world champion Max Verstappen.
Verstappen was fastest in all three practice sessions at the Jeddah Corniche circuit, but his qualifying effort was halted on Saturday when he sent out “I have a problem. Engine, engine problem” during the second session. The Dutchman drove to the pits, where a driveshaft problem was discovered, and Verstappen’s qualifying effort came to an end.